GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found 2 definitions
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Diatom , n. [Gr. διάτομος cut in two. See Diatomous.]
- (Bot.) One of the Diatomaceæ, a family of minute unicellular Algæ having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, each individual multiplying by spontaneous division. By some authors diatoms are called Bacillariæ, but this word is not in general use.1913 Webster
- A particle or atom endowed with the vital principle.1913 Webster
The individual is nothing. He is no more than the diatom, the bit of protoplasm.
Mrs. E. Lynn Linton.1913 Webster
- (Bot.) One of the Diatomaceæ, a family of minute unicellular Algæ having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, each individual multiplying by spontaneous division. By some authors diatoms are called Bacillariæ, but this word is not in general use.